Is CABG the only solution for coronary artery disease?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and triple vessel disease with left main (LM) involvement. I have attached the angiogram report for your reference. Is CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) the only solution, or could partial stenting be effective?

Alternatively, is it acceptable to manage his condition solely with medication, given that he has few clinical symptoms? His treadmill test (TMT) was strongly positive. He is a smoker and also consumes alcohol. He has high blood pressure and is currently taking Amlodipine, Telmisartan, and Aspirin.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have carefully reviewed your health query, and I am sorry to hear about your father's health issues. This is a concerning disease process. I never recommend taking a passive approach or doing nothing in the case of advanced coronary artery disease. Given that he has triple vessel involvement, the best next step is to consider CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) surgery, especially if there are no obvious contraindications.

Partial angioplasty is not a viable solution to this problem. Although he may not have obvious signs or symptoms, it is important to understand that the disease has progressed significantly. At any moment, with or without strenuous physical activity, he could experience a severe heart attack, which can be very dangerous and potentially lethal. Therefore, I strongly recommend proceeding with CABG as soon as possible.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.